Michael J Becker

US Patent:

6415556, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Jul 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/609728

Inventors:

Cyril J. Silberman - Minnetonka MN
M. David Sadinsky - Minneapolis MN
Barton L. Riberich - Brooklyn Park MN
Cheuk A. Cheng - New Brigton MN
Dick Eide - Minneapolis MN
Lennart Nielsen - Edina MN
Michael James Becker - Brooklyn Center MN
Timothy John Kline - Minnetonka MN
Michael R. Riberich - Dayton MN
Jennifer Ann McLeish - Fridley MN

Assignee:

Uni-Systems, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

E04B 1346

US Classification:

52 66, 52 6, 52 64, 52 83

Abstract:

An edifice such as a sports stadium is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather by having at least one movable roof member. Each movable roof member includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to permit the roof member to move in a predetermined path with respect to the underlying structure of the edifice. The transport mechanism includes structure for supporting both ends of the roof member, which bridges an otherwise open area of the edifice. In order to permit some flexure and movement of the roof member with respect to the underlying edifice, as will inevitably occur as a result of natural forces such as winds, orientation structure is provided for maintaining the transport mechanism in a predetermined orientation while simultaneously permitting a limited amount of movement of the roof member in a direction that is nonparallel to the predetermined path of movement. The orientation structure has been found to be most effective when it is provided at but one end of the roof member.

US Patent:

7594360, Sep 29, 2009

Filed:

Mar 3, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/367564

Inventors:

Cyril Silberman - Minnetonka MN, US
Barton L. Riberich - Brooklyn Park MN, US
Lennart Nielsen - Edina MN, US
Michael Becker - New Hope MN, US
Alan Wilcox - Rogers MN, US
Timothy J. Kline - Minnetonka MN, US
Neil Tolin - Buffalo MN, US
Mark Silvera - Crystal MN, US
Randy Grems - Fairbault MN, US

Assignee:

Uni-Systems, LLC - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

E04B 1/346
E04B 7/16

US Classification:

52 66, 52 6, 52 64

Abstract:

A movable roof member includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to permit the roof member to move in a predetermined path with respect to the underlying structure of the supporting edifice. The transport mechanism includes structure for supporting both ends of the roof member, which bridges an otherwise open area of the edifice. In order to permit some flexure and movement of the roof member with respect to the underlying edifice, as will inevitably occur as a result of natural forces such as winds, a lateral release system is provided for maintaining the transport mechanism in a predetermined orientation while simultaneously permitting a limited amount of movement of the roof member in a direction that is nonparallel to the predetermined path of movement. The lateral release system has been found to be most effective when it is provided at but one end of the roof member. The lateral release system preferably includes a linear slide bearing that in the preferred embodiment has a longitudinal axis that is oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the predetermined path of travel of the roof member.

US Patent:

8186107, May 29, 2012

Filed:

Mar 3, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/367563

Inventors:

Cyril Silberman - Minnetonka MN, US
Barton L. Riberich - Brooklyn Park MN, US
Lennart Nielsen - Edina MN, US
Michael Becker - New Hope MN, US
Alan Wilcox - Rogers MN, US
Timothy J. Kline - Minnetonka MN, US
Neil Tolin - Buffalo MN, US
Mark Silvera - Crystal MN, US
Randy Grems - Fairbault MN, US

Assignee:

Uni-Systems, LLC - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

E04H 3/10
E04B 1/346
A63C 19/00
B65H 75/48

US Classification:

52 6, 52 66, 472 92, 2423906

Abstract:

A convertible stadium includes a playing field, a seating area, a stationary roof structure and a large, heavy roof panel mounted for movement with respect to the stationary roof structure, A plurality of cable drums are mounted for movement together with the roof panel. Each cable drum has at least one cable wound thereabout. The cable is secured to the stationary roof structure and is payable from the respective cable drum. The system is designed so as to minimize movement between the cable and the roof panel, so there will be no possibility of frictional engagement therebetween.

US Patent:

20090223140, Sep 10, 2009

Filed:

Mar 4, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/041902

Inventors:

MICHAEL BECKER - NEW HOPE MN, US
PETER FERVOY - ST. PAUL MN, US
TIMOTHY J. KLINE - MINNETONKA MN, US
ALEXANDER KRUEGER - RICHFIELD MN, US
DAN KRZMARZICK - BLOOMINGTON MN, US
LENNART NIELSEN - EDINA MN, US
BARTON L. RIBERICH - BROOKLYN PARK MN, US
CYRIL SILBERMAN - MINNETONKA MN, US

Assignee:

UNI-SYSTEMS, LLC - MINNEAPOLIS MN

International Classification:

E04B 1/00

US Classification:

52 64, 527411

Abstract:

A retractable wall system for a structure such as a building includes a torque tube and a kinetic wall member that is secured to the torque tube. A shaft that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is secured to the structure so that rotation with respect to the structure is precluded. A drive mechanism that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is constructed and arranged to selectively change a rotational position of the shaft with respect to the torque tube so that the wall member may be moved with respect to the structure. An electronic control system may be provided for monitoring and controlling movement of the kinetic wall member with respect to the structure. The electronic control system may be integrated with other control systems of the structure, such as the electronic control system of the structure's HVAC system.